Letter: Occupational therapy

Our profession is often omitted from the media or confused with physical therapy, and I felt it was important to correct this oversight on behalf of thousands of occupational therapists worldwide.

I read with great interest your article titled “Love casts out all fear: Couple overcomes obstacles as they prepare for marriage” (May 4), and while it was well written, I wanted to point out a rather important omission in the story.

In speaking about Blaine Whipple’s condition and subsequent treatments, it states:

“After grafting nerve tissue from his leg to his shoulder and years of physical therapy, Whipple can use his arm, though it remains underdeveloped and has limited dexterity.”

While most certainly physical therapy was a part of his rehabilitation, this article would be negligent in not recognizing the vital role of occupational therapy in Blaine’s road to independence.

Occupational therapists work with clients of all ages and all types of impairments. Our role as occupational therapists is to foster participation in daily activities of our patients through developing treatment plans, modifying tasks, adapting environments and educating patients and their families.

Our profession is often omitted from the media or confused with physical therapy, and I felt it was important to correct this oversight on behalf of thousands of occupational therapists worldwide as well as for the millions of people who have or who may benefit from occupational therapy in the future.